A pretty morning and lots of birds

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Temperature this morning was 34 degrees, very still and sunny.

When I leave at 6:30 the sun is not up yet but at least it isn't dark anymore. 

Walked the Town Route again this morning.

Lots of bird activity all around today.
 I saw the Red Winged Black Birds around the town pond,
Canada Geese in a few ponds, some landing, some taking off
honking the whole time.
The Killdeers chasing each other around,
I spotted a woodpecker, saw a Cardinal, and the crows were all over the
place, flying around and calling out to each other.
This one crow came to rest on top of a manure pile and I
quick snapped his picture.

All around I heard lots of birds chirping and it sounded as if they were all
enjoying the pretty morning as was I.

Walked 6.2 miles
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The sun went away and it clouded up but before it started raining
we went up to Happy Trails.
Ken was inside working in the wood shop for the church project
and I was on the outside clearing some sticker bushes and small trees
off the side of this little hill.
This is before I got started.

This is what it looks like now after a couple hours work.

Next time we go up there Ken is going to neaten it up a bit with the tractor.
Then will probably make a stone wall.

It started raining just as I was finishing up.

Home this afternoon doing a bit more housework.

For supper we had steak and I roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts together.
Liked the brussel spouts best of all.   

My son David called and we had a nice chat catching up.

A happy day to you.
happyone 🎈

"Ever ask yourself

what you would do if you had tomorrow to live over again."

~ Robert Brault

Comment Replies:

Kim - I always have to make myself do my exercises but walking is always a joy and doesn't seem like exercise. 

Dianna - Brenda's is about 8 miles up the road from us and overlooks Deep Creek Lake.

Barn Collective

Linking up with Tom again this Monday for his Barn Collective series.

This barn is just up the road from the school I walk past on the Farm Loop.

I usually turn by the school but walked passed the turn and found this barn.

Took the pictures last week sometime.

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This morning it was 25 degrees and cloudy when I walked but 

very still, no breeze at all.

Walked the Town Route.

Was passing by one of the child care places in town and stopped

to talk to the two women who run it, Carol and Caroline.

They were just getting there to open it up.

If I had little kids and needed day care this is the place I would choose.

I've walked by when the kids were outside playing and the women

were having just as much fun as the kids. 

When I see parents drop off kids they seem happy to be going there.

I like how even on snowy days, they bundled up the kids

and let them play outside in the snow.

Just seems like a happy place to be.

 

I smelled these piles of manure before I saw them.

Pretty ripe.

Farmer Marvin is getting ready to spread it around his fields.

 Walked 6.2 miles

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Thanks for all the good luck wishes for my chili

but my chili did NOT win.

Still it was fun having a taste of them all.

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It warmed up a bit so I hung my sheets out on the line.

I wouldn't have hung them out because it was cloudy but a good breeze

picked up and they did get dry before it started to rain.

Went with Kenny to Lowe's to keep him company while he

picked out some lumber (church project) and then he dropped me off home.

Got the weeks house work started - vacuumed and dusted.

We went to Brenda's for supper but didn't get the half price pizza today.
We shared a salad and I got a Cheese Calzone.  It was pretty big
and I just ate half and took the other half home.

And now for our usual evening at home.

Well I do have to do Body Electric yet which I have to make myself do.
I hate doing it but afterward I feel good that I did it.
 

A happy day to you.

happyone 🎈

 "The happiest people don't worry too much about whether life is fair or not,

they just get on with it."

~ Andrew Matthews

Back to winter

Psalm 46: 1 - 3

1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed and 

though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,

though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.  Selah.

 📖

 Worry ends when faith in God begins.

⛪     ⛪ 

Winter came back today.

This morning when I walked it was 22 degrees, windy and snowing.

Good news, no accumulation and though it stayed in the 30's

the sun came out and has been shining all day.

There were more than a dozen crock pots of chili at the chili cook off

at church today.  Mine had a few votes when we left.  Will get the results

of the winner at church tonight.

A happy day to you.

God Bless You.

happyone 🎈 

Caught in the rain

The sky this morning when I started out on my walk.

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It was 56 degrees when I left this morning.  

Just wore a sweat shirt with tights and shorts and headed up around the Farm Loop.

It was supposed to rain later on in the day so thought I'd have plenty of time

to get my walk in.

After about a mile or so the sky to the south had some dark clouds

moving in and I saw this rainbow.

Another half mile and I felt the first drops of rain.

Had just gotten past Farmer Bill's farm and it started pouring.

Thought about calling Ken to ask him to pick me up because even though it

was 56 the rain was cold and I was soaked and starting to get cold.

While deciding to call or not,  I heard a beep beep, turned

around and there was Ken in the truck.   

So only got a 2 1/2 mile walk in.

It was worth being outside even for a little while just to see that

sunrise and the rainbow.

🌈

It got cooler during the day and in the afternoon I saw some sleet
mixed in with the rain.
Late afternoon the sun came out.

I baked cookies today - Snickerdoodles.
These are for the kids at church which I don't have to bring in
for a couple of weeks yet so put them in the freezer.
Have to make another batch.
 If you'd like the recipe I've put it on
Karen's Kitchen.
(Link at bottom of posts)

The next book for the book club didn't sound good at all so
I'm not even going to try reading it.
I started a book called Highgate Rise by Anne Perry.
It is a Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novel and I've read all the previous
ones and really like them.

 Hope all is well in your world.
A happy day to you.
happyone 🎈

"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either
for the first or last time."
~ Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Comment Replies:

Art - Yes, I do take my pepper spray with me.

A day at home

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48 degrees when I started walking this morning and was near 60 when I got home.

Some clouds around but lots of sunshine too.

Walked behind my house then straight through town down past the HT turnoff 

and then back to town and a loop around one of the cemeteries 

and back home.

Two dogs roaming around lose but they didn't come near me and thank goodness

went off in a different direction than me. 

 Walked 6.2 miles

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Today was a perfect spring day and the temperature reached into the 70's.
This is how I spent my day.

• Got two loads of laundry done and out on the lines to dry.

•  Called my friend Bernice to wish her a Happy Birthday.

• Washed the car - boy was it every dirty from all the salt on the roads.       Cleaned and vacuumed the inside of the car as well.  And while the car was out of the garage got that swept up too.

• Made a crock pot of chili for Sunday when we have our annual chili cook off at church.  After services we stay around for lunch, eat chili, and vote on the one we like best.  Ribbons are even handed out.  Always a lot of fun. 

• Did some yard work - trimmed back all the rose bushes that I never got around to doing in the fall, about 15 of them.   

• Finished reading my book, Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens.  Sara  searches and finds her birth mother.  Turns out she is the only victim to escape from a rapist serial killer and he was Sara's father and hasn't been caught yet.  I didn't think the book was a good as the other two I've read by her but still a good one.

This evening I'll start another book,

watch Netlix,

knit,

and eat ice cream.

A happy day to you.

happyone 🎈

"You can tell more about a person by what he says about others

than you can be what others say about him."

~ Leo Aikman

Comment Replies:

Prunella - the Fingerprint Link is at the bottom of all the posts on the page.

But I put the link HERE for you.  😊

Work Day

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A warm 52 degrees this morning on my walk.  It must have rained last night

because the roads were wet and it was cloudy and felt like rain.

I asked God if He would please hold off on the rain until after my walk.

He not only held off on the rain but gave me a little blue sky 

and some sun too.  😊

 When I got back home it clouded up again and drizzled.

No special route today just walked all over town and down toward HT.

Saw the man walking his big white dog.

Walked 6.2 miles
Found a penny

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Right after breakfast we headed to church for a day of doing

Fingerprints. 
People come and go during the day but there were about 20 of us there.
I worked on one of the staple machines (my favorite thing to do)  and
Ken was on the cutter.
We were there from 10 - 4
For those who are new readers to my blog
and don't know about Fingerprints there is a link at the bottom
 of the page where you can read about it.
The sun came out again during the day and the temperature was in
the 60's again.  Sure are having some nice weather.

That's all we did today.
Home now for a nice quiet evening.
A happy day to you.
happyone 🎈

"May the light of God's love shine upon you
And guide you where ere you may be;
Making lighter earth's burdens and sorrows,
And keep your soul joyous and free."
~ Gertrude Buckingham

Headlines

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Walked the Town Route this morning with a stop at the library to drop

off a book. 

Temperature was 44 degrees and it was cloudy.

Not much happening around town, a quiet walk and didn't see

anyone else.

Always happy when I'm able to take a morning walk.

😊

 No quote today but came across this in Readers Digest

Which one of these recent headlines is the MADE UP one?

Answer at the end of this post.

1. Judge bars Warlock from harassing witch in Salem.
2. China may be using sea to hide its submarines.
3. UNC Boosters outraged that some athletes took real classes.
4. Senator Beagle aims to reform Ohio's dog laws.
5. Man asked to clean up after dog, pulls gun.
6. Lack of bologna leads to charges.

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Did a couple of things around the house and then we left at 11:15

to meet at Uno's for lunch with the Super Seniors from church.
There were 15 of us and we enjoyed our time together as always.

From there we went to Walmart to do our food shopping.

Before church this evening we stopped off at the funeral home.

A friends Mom died.  She had been sick for a while and though it is

sad she died, we know she is now at home in heaven.

Tomorrow is Fingerprints and after church this evening some of us
stayed after and got things set up for tomorrow and then worked
for about an hour.

The pink and white checked baby blanket is finished.

Hope all is well in your part of the world.

A happy day to you.

happyone 🎈

Number Three is the made up headline.

Tuesday

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A little cooler this morning than when I walked yesterday but still nice at 38

degrees with some sun and clouds. In the 40's when I got back home.

Stayed around town and walked the Town Route.

Made a stop at the Post Office to mail a card.

Seems to be more geese every day at all the little ponds.

I saw three Killdeer flying around chasing each other

and it is so nice hearing the birds back to their morning chirping.

Didn't see any people out walking.

I wonder where Kathy has been.  Haven't seen her for ages.

Walked 6.2 miles

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Got another load of laundry done today and once again hung them

outside to dry.

We went back up to Happy Trails today and this time we went in the morning.

Not as warm or as sunny as yesterday but it was good to be up there again.

I got some more dead fall picked up and clipped back a lot of the

sticker bushes.

Ken got some more license plates put up on the peak on one side

 and started on the other side.  Will take a picture when done.

We brought lunch and ate it on the picnic table.

Had another walk around and just enjoyed being up there.

Our goal this year is to have the cabin completely done, outside and inside.

Then once we don't have to have building materials around I'd like

to get things neat and tidy.

Our HT neighbor Ron stopped by to say hi.

We were back home around 3:00 and at 3:20

I walked over to Sherry's and had my hair cut, same style, just a trim.

I finished reading The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure the other day and Ken 

finished it this morning.  He liked it as much as I did.

 A page turner for the both of us.

Looking forward to my ice cream this evening.

Will watch Netflix and sew the last strip of squares 

on the latest baby blanket.  Will post a picture of it tomorrow.

A happy day to you.

happyone 🎈

"A hug is a great gift,

one size fits all, and it's easy to exchange."

~ Unknown

Barn Collective and Happy Trails

Linking up with Tom today for his Barn Collective series.

Here's another one of the Quilt Barns in Garrett County where I live.

This square is called Blazing Star.

The barn is owned by Dorla Mazer and was built in 1980 for her children's

horses and is located on Bittinger Road in Grantsville, Md.

The quilt square was donated by Laura Smith in honor of her

friend Susan Emmet when she graduated from medical school.

Quilt Barn # 22

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This morning I walked around the Farm Loop.  The temperature was 44 degrees,

cloudy, with a slight breeze.

When I got to the school instead of turning left back to town I took a 

right and went up here a ways before turning around and going back to town.

 Isn't this an interesting looking fence.

A short loop around town and then home.

No one else out this morning that I saw.

I spotted these little yellow flowers in a yard.  Seems way too early to be

seeing flowers but is sure is nice.  Maybe spring is arriving early this year.

But who knows it may be snowing again next week!

I walked 6.2 miles

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The sun came out and with it the temperatures started rising and got

so nice that I hung my sheets out on the line to dry.

As I was out there hanging up the clothes I looked up and saw 6 geese

fly over.  They looked so pretty against the bright blue sky flying over

the green pine trees.  Wish I had my camera.

Spent the morning doing some house work and then after lunch we went up to Happy Trails and what perfect weather for being up there.

In the 60's and sunny!!  We kept saying I can't believe it's February. 

We didn't really do any work but just walked around checking things out.

 On one of those windy days part of the roof on the cabin up on the right ripped and blew down. It never got nailed down on the end.  One of those things that Ken had to go back and do and never got around to it before winter.  It's just a little piece and won't be hard to fix.

Picked up lots of branches and little trees that fell down and stacked them on the natural fence.  It's a never ending job.

 

We followed some of the trails and cleaned up trees and branches from there too.

Walking off a trail we came across this tree that split and came down.

 Sure was nice getting back up to Happy Trails and hopefully we will be
going back tomorrow - if it isn't snowing by then. 😊

So that's been my Monday.
It's been a good one.
Life is Good.
A happy day to you.

happyone 🎈

"Do not spoil what you have

by desiring what you have not."

~Ann Brashares

Comment Replies:

BettyC - Wow they are some expensive puzzles.  The latest one we did had a Walmart price tag on it of $2.95 cents.  All the puzzles we have done this winter are from that one pile of them that Ken got at the auction for a couple of dollars.

Mr Scarecrow

Sometimes people ask me what my favorite walking weather is.  

This morning was that weather.

44 degrees with sun and clouds and just a little breeze.  

Don't have to wear so many layers and no hat.

I walked the Farm Loop, this little pond is on Farmer Bill's farm.

Mr Scarecrow seems to have died.  He too is at Farmer Bill's farm.

Back in July he was smiling.  You can see him HERE.

Looks like the geese are coming back to town.  

Here are a few of them in the field down from the school. 

Passing the Dairy Farm there were about 6 little kittens running around 

in the road and they all ran for cover as I walked by.

Once I got back to town walked a loop around town before going back home.

Walked 6.4 miles

Found a penny

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Here are the pictures I took yesterday at the
little family cemetery at the stone quarry.
You won't be able to read the monument but the picture shows the whole cemetery.
It is the family cemetery of the Shoemakers and Ringers.

While we were walking around, one of the quarry employees stopped and
asked if we were looking for a particular grave.  Told him no we just stopped
to take a look.  He told us that we were the first people he has ever seen there.
Back in the 90's all the graves were moved to this location from up over the hill
where the quarry is.

🌻     🌻     🌻
It was a nice spring like day, sunny and a high of 60.
We left mid morning and spent the day in Oakland which is 20 miles
down the road.  Went in a few antique stores, walked around town and also did
a few errands while we were out.
Snapped this picture of a train going by.

Took a little walk over the bridge.

Found a few more blue and white plates for over my kitchen cabinets
and now my collection is complete, no more room.

 Planning on spending our usual quiet evening at home.

Life is Good

I have enjoyed my day and hope you have enjoyed yours too.

A happy day to you.
happyone 🎈

"There is a magic in long-distance friendships.
They let you relate to other human beings in a way
that goes beyond being physically together
and is often more profound."
~ Diana Cortes

Comment Replies:

BettyC - The brand of the puzzle is Milton Bradly and the picture is from the Charles Wysocki's Americana series.

Interlocking puzzle

This morning it was 22 degrees, no wind, cloudy at first but then the sun came out.

Walked straight through town and down toward Happy Trails.

Turned right on this road and kept going toward HT.

Made another right turn toward HT and walked down here.

Turned around and headed home before I actually got there.

These pictures are on the way back.

 When I got back to town I took a couple of loops around the cemetery
at the top of the hill and then went home.

 No one else out walking today, none that I saw anyway.

A pretty morning and nice to get some vitamin D.

By the time I got home the temperature was above freezing and it was

so nice with the sun out and no breeze that I sat out on the front porch

for about 10 minutes before going back in the house.

Took picture sitting on porch

 Walked 6.4 miles

⛅     ⛅     ⛅

Ken and I went for a ride this afternoon and found another quilt barn

 which I'll post on Monday for the Barn Collective.

Stopped in at Candyland which also sells fresh produce.

 Ken picked out candy and I picked out some 'good' food to make one of my

famous salads which I made for supper.

We also came across a family cemetery and stopped to take some pictures

but I thought I'd have enough pictures for today's post so I'll

post them tomorrow.

We finished the puzzle.  This was a fun one to do and we were happy

that all 1000 pieces were there.  This one is a keeper and we will do 

it again sometime.

 I had mentioned that the pieces were tightly interlocking and here is

the proof.  Ken is holding it up.

A happy day to you.

happyone 🎈

"Cherish the friend who tells you a harsh truth,

wanting ten times more to tell you a loving lie."

~ Robert Brault

Soap in the mail : )

🎈     🎈     🎈

Back to walking in the snow today.  22 degrees, a bit windy.

As I walked the snow stopped for a awhile and then the sun came out for

a couple of minutes and then it clouded up again and it snowed the rest of my walk.

Sure didn't walk any kind of a route today.  

Just tried staying out of the way of the snow plows and walked 

where I could. Back to wearing snow sneaker and ice grippers.

Roads were pretty slippery and I'd rather be walking than driving.

A few geese were down by the town pond.  Not a great picture

because I had to zoom in.

 As can be expected didn't see anyone else out walking.

Before coming home I walked over to Sherry's and made a hair appointment

to get my hair cut.  

Walked 6.2 miles

🎈     🎈     🎈

When the library opened I took another little walk in the snow

and went there to pick up a few books that I had on hold.  Wouldn't you know 

 they all came in at the same time.  

Don't you enjoy those little happy moments that came around to 

you during the day?

One of those times today was getting the mail.

My friend Dianna sent me some soap that she made.
She gave me some the first time we met and I really liked it.
I asked her last week when we were together if she would make
me some more and that I would be happy to buy some.
She wouldn't take any money and sent me these.
They were wrapped in pink tissue paper with pink bows.
I've washed my hands quite a few times today. : )
The soap lathers nicely,  has a light fragrance and makes my hands soft.

Thanks so much Dianna.  

 Since Ken and I didn't go out for our anniversary or Valentine's Day
we decided to treat ourselves to a dinner out this evening and went to
Outback in Morgantown, WV for steaks.

Now it is time to enjoy a nice quiet evening at home in front
of the fire.
Life is Good.

A happy day to you.

happyone 🎈

"Strangers are just friends waiting to happen."

Rod McKuen